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Time to wake up and see clearly all that this election means.

What everyone needs to remember first and foremost are these two facts about the major political parties:

Democrats Care More About All The People Than The Party

Republicans want to control every aspect of a person’s life and care about party ideology more than the people (power over people)

Can I make it plain?

I have seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears–the kind of hatred and bigotry spewed by Republicans (especially the trump party) that has led to people being randomly targeted and killed, pipe bombs sent to silence those who dare to criticize the orange monster in the White House and all the while–Republican leaders are posturing that they care about human life (trump wants the death penalty back on the books). Here’s what This Era Republicans care about–maintaining power over people (controlling what people do) and maintaining the wealth in the hands of a few. That’s it. They care nothing about the people in America and everything they do–legislatively–proves it.

This administration since 2017 has rolled back environmental protection measures established to protect all of us. They rolled back the requirements for corporations so the corporations could make more money and not be held accountable for the damage done to our health because of toxic soil, polluted water and air. And on top of all that not caring about our health and food supply, they’re doing everything they can to gut healthcare for those with pre-existing conditions as well as remove access to affordable healthcare for the masses. They claim the government can’t subsidize healthcare because it will blow up the deficit. Well, their tax cuts for the wealthy, did just that–blew up the deficit (21 Trillion Dollars), jeopardized farmers with the imposed tariffs, and now–to prove they care nothing about the “poor and the needy,” they are planning to gut Social Security benefits for the elderly, including Medicare and Medicaid for the poor. Veterans don’t matter to them at all as we can see in the fact that there is no one overseeing Veteran’s Affairs with any specific skills to do so.

Even in their political campaigns–though they claim to be “fiscally conservative” they spend more money on negative attack ads than they do commending the candidates. They lie and stoke fear about all sorts of imagined evil (claiming Democrats are evil and planning all sorts of evil deeds–when in fact–it’s them; they’re projecting). They even claim Democrats have no message or platform other than “hating trump.”

Well, I’ve got news for everyone who thinks this lie is true. Democrats have a message and the message is–We care about all the people! We respect the rights of every person to live their own best lives no matter who they love, what faith they practice, the color of their skin or gender. We want common sense gun reforms to protect the innocent and we care about women’s health choices.

It’s time for Americans to make a decision and the decision made with this election will determine whether American Democracy survives or crashes. There is already widespread efforts of voter-fraud with the voting machines used (changing Democrat votes to Republican), voter suppression with contrived justification to keep people from voting due purged voter rolls and alleged “non-matching signatures for absentee ballots” to refusing to allow a bus load of Black Senior Citizens to go vote as a collective group and closing voting locations in key areas in effort to dissuade the vulnerable from voting. This is what is occurring in every state that is currently controlled by Republican leadership. That’s what they do.

Democrats on the other hand, do everything we can to encourage voting by all. Yes, we make recommendations about the issues and candidates, but we ultimately respect the choice of people, believing they’re intelligent enough to make decisions without being led by lies and deception.

I’m very proud of the political ads I’ve seen in which Democratic candidates are merely expounding upon their own abilities to get the job done. Only some of the PACs are airing negative ads, but not nearly in the number that Republicans are airing them. So there are a few things I want every voter to consider:

Download your sample ballot from your voting district and know who you want to vote for before you get to the polls. In Michigan go to michigan.gov/sos

If possible, vote early to avoid the frustration of waiting in lines–in most states, absentee ballots are available prior to any day of election. Get one and take your time to complete.

Make sure you’re familiar with the ballot proposals or initiatives and the judges who are listed in the nonpartisan section.

Never allow fear to be a deterrent in making your choices.

If Americans don’t make the right decisions about voting in this election cycle–it could very well be our last opportunity to vote since Republicans are more concerned with “controlling the masses” and are planning to rewrite the Constitution to make sure they maintain control. Be wise, research and know whether your representatives care about you or care about controlling you.

The Twenty-Sixth Amendment provides, “The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.” It prohibits states from discriminating among voters based on age, for people who are at least 18 years old, and grants Congress power to “enforce” that prohibition through “appropriate legislation.” The Twenty-Sixth Amendment is the last in a series of amendments enacted over more than a century expanding constitutional protection for voting rights. Like many other amendments, it was enacted as a direct repudiation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

We can see with our own eyes (even though the orange menace in the WH told his base, not to believe what they see, hear, or read–cult mentality) that the Republican party is doing everything it can to keep citizens from voting.

In North Dakota–they’ve come with a “legal street residence requirement” for Native Americans who live in rural areas where no streets have been established. It is designed to keep them from exercising their right to vote. Fear of them voting for Democrats–is the real reason since most usually vote for Democrats.

In Georgia–Brian Kemp is afraid of losing to Stacey Abrams–a Black woman who is the Democrat challenging him. Right now–Kemp–is the Secretary of State in Georgia–has over 53,000 voter registrations sitting on his desk because–get this–the signatures don’t match “exactly” those already in their data files. Realistically, if I signed my name three times within three minutes, they won’t match exactly. This excuse is just that–another attempt to suppress the Black vote in Georgia by Republicans.

In North Carolina–the Republicans shut down “Sunday Voting” in counties that are predominantly Black–to keep the citizens from exercising their right to vote.

In Michigan–just weeks before the election–the Republicans changed the rules about “straight party” voting by excluding it. Their hope is that most of the residents won’t take the time to complete their ballots.

All across the nation–wherever Republicans are in charge of the state government–they are enacting “cheating rules” to control how people vote. This is a gross violation of every citizen’s constitutional rights. The word, “abridged” means no state or the nation has the right to curtail, get in the way of anyone of legal age to vote.

So, America–we don’t have to let Republicans get in our way, but we do need to understand that the only way Republicans win–in any election–is by cheating and we have a record of that–in recent elections starting with George W. Bush with the “hanging chads” in Florida where his brother was governor. Fearmongering is another favorite tactic used by Republicans as Laura Ingraham so aptly demonstrates on Fox News by warning their viewers they must vote for Republicans or the Democrats will “replace them with immigrants.” That is fraudulently false that she should be sued for it, but apparently, all’s fair in war and politics–use of the first amendment that is.

Well, I’m exercising my 1st amendment rights in every blog I write and today, this is dedicated to every person eligible to vote, but is hesitating because of lies promoted by Republicans through a number of means–including videos produced by right-wing entities like Prague U and Carol Swain (The Inconvenient Truth About The Democratic Party). What Swain does is to take the viewer of the video to a specific point in history–prior to the Republicans and Democrats–switching their philosophies and platforms–and leaving it there. That was the late 19th Century and Early 20th Century history of the political parties. This is the 21st Century and I guarantee everyone reading this–The Democratic Party is the only political party that cares about “all the people” and not just some as we see in the Republican party (tax cuts for the rich, loss of services for everyone else who now pay higher prices for everything).

Okay, so I know this is a lot to read, but check out my YouTube Channel–Everyday Americans 2020–and listen to the videos I’ve produced to encourage all to vote.

And for the Black Community–don’t be mislead and tricked into voting for people who really don’t care about you and their very recent legislated policies–prove it. Republicans don’t want people to have access to affordable healthcare, education, veteran’s benefits, clean air, water and non-toxic soil from which all of our food production is dependent. Listen, remember, research and then march to the polls on 11/6/18 and vote like your life and our democracy depend on it because they do.

If you still don’t see the need to vote and to vote for every Democrat on your ballot–I’ll have to assume you’ve partaken of the orange shake and incapable of rational thinking–especially if you’re paying attention to the daily news–which demonstrates how our democracy is at risk. The Republicans won’t exercise their constitutional right to “check” all the nonsense trump does and some have even considered, rewriting the Constitution to eliminate terms for a president–that is a dictatorship–when one party rules and keeps others from exercising any choice. Don’t believe me–research it for yourself!

Until then, remember–we only have a little over two weeks before 11/6/18 and the outcome will be a reflection of who we are as Americans–whether we are True Patriots–ready to live out the inscription on the Statue of Liberty–

or whether we are just inclined to go along with a party–no matter how much it could endanger us. Elections have consequences and see that every day since the 2016 election. Let’s not be foolish and repeat the mistakes of the past election. We deserve better and it’s up to us–to make sure we have what we deserve–freedom to choose and the right to exercise our choices in government with our vote.

I’m Mary M. Hall-Rayford and I approve the message of the content of this blog.

Sitting here thinking about “the new world” Christopher Columbus was so excited about when he was making his journey from Spain and got lost. To be clear, he was not the first person to set their sights on the Americas, but that’s a discussion for another time. For now, people need to take a serious look at what we have called a democracy in America.

The pillars for which this democracy upholds are being eroded by Russian influence and a traitor to America. We know that Russia attacked our electoral system and I believe it was not just through the social media accounts–gaslighting gullible people, but it was also through deliberate bribes of those in the electoral college. Notice that in all the swing states where a recount was requested and in some cases started, money convinced judges to call them off. So if money can determine the direction of our country, what is the purpose of the Constitution? What was the purpose of establishing three branches of government by which all policies would be established, reinforced and adjudicated when needed? We have an illegitmately elected clown in the White House–who has ignored the Constitution from the beginning and more despicable clowns in Congress who refuse to exercise their oversight responsibilities. And now, with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, a blatant liar, and possible serial sexual predator, the Supreme Court will never again be seen as an arbiter of justice and truth. Three pillars missing from the democratic structure leaves only one left–a free press and even there, that pillar is endanger of toppling with all of the vicious lies told by the White House clown.

I have to wonder if people really understand the significance of this process in which it was nothing like the process, usually observed. Brett Kavanaugh has had several sexual assault allegations lodged against him, he perjured himself under oath during his last hearing, he’s had political PACs paying for advertisements (out of the norm for a judicial nominee), and then because he knew he had screwed up with his belligerence, wrote an OP ED in the Wall Street Journal (owned by Rupert Murdoch who also owns Fox), which defies all logic, other than to conclude, he was begging for the position. His behavior is abominable, but that won’t stop Republicans from confirming him into the position he feels he’s entitled to have. Law Professors have sent letters to the Senate warning them not to confirm him; the ABA has warned them not to confirm him and former classmates have attested to the fact that he was lying while under oath. And why oh why wasn’t the FBI allowed to question the 20 or more people who contacted them with information? Cover-up anyone? If Brett Kavanaugh had any integrity or honor he’d step aside rather than have the Supreme Court’s reputation tainted forever. Oh yeah, the Republicans know he’s not fit to sit on the bench of the Supreme Court but they don’t care because they care more about their agenda, than people and doing what’s right. Traitor Don will have his “get out jail card” when the crap catches up with him. That’s what this is really all about–along with all other Republicans who are complicit in the Russian meddling. We know. We are not the victims of the gaslighting. That’s trump’s base. Gaslighted into cult worship.

Here’s the thing–all women, Black and White–our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren will be subject to Supreme Court decisions for decades to come. And the one thing I don’t understand is why women would sit back and allow this travesty to continue. When women vote, they should vote for people who are committed to serving them, not the lobbyists who pay them. We deserve a return on the tax dollars all elected persons get for their pay. As a result, voters must take more time in getting to know who it is they’re electing, since we are actually their employers. I don’t want to pay anyone who neglects or ignores my rights in order to obtain money from corporate entities or rich old white men who have nothing better to do with their money than to influence politics and politicians.

With the Supreme Court appointment–a life time appointment–we pay them, too. And if they choose to screw over us all, we’ve allowed it to happen by those we elected who confirmed them. So, now–it really boils down to–how do you want your tax dollars used–to promote sexual predators and those like-minded elected officials who support them or people who look out for all the people, protecting their interest for decades to come? The real issue here is that elected officials get greedy with corporate lobbyists and others. They’re not happy or satisfied with the $174K salary, they want more money and some think they are entitled to more money so they allow their greed to lead them into situations like Russia, where so many are guilty of receiving money from a foreign entity.

So, if we want democracy to work–to have government, “by the people for the people,” we must engage in the process. We must get to know the candidates that seek our support and vote, before we vote for them. We must work side-by-side with those candidates we have *vetted* to encourage others to vote for them. If we’re not going to be part of the process, we can expect to see the dismantling of our democracy by those who wish for it to crumble–the rich and powerful–who will not consider the people since they only care about money. Think–Mr. Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) and remember how the only thing he cared about was his money and making a profit. That’s what we have in the White House now–policies are legislated for the rich, not the poor; tax dollars are being wasted on the rich (US Marshall protection of DeVos, Conway, and others) instead of being used for the poor (healthcare, education, etc.). They’re stripping away all the consumer protections just so their rich cronies can make money–ravaging the land, out of greed. We see it. Gas prices rising along with food costs and everything, but do those in the legislative branch of our democracy care about what happens to the people they’re supposed to be writing legislation for?

I can’t speak for anyone other than me at the moment and all these shenanigans are giving me a headache. My blood pressure is also rising and I guess the next step I need to take would be in suing the White House for decimating my health. That’s a thought. I have to think about it more. Perhaps, the ACLU will take on the case as a class action suit.

I’m not rambling incoherently, I’m thinking out loud about my options and the possible options for others. Someone has to be thinking about–what’s next? We already know trump lied about his own wealth and how he accumulated it (I’ve known since 2016) and the fact that he doesn’t want anyone to see his tax returns, is telling. But we will see them, one way or another. But knowing, definitively, won’t change a thing about our lives, so we must muster all the energy we can to get people out to vote. This is key! We must get people to vote. This is our voice in our crumbling government and if we want to salvage it, we must vote and vote Blue or we may never get a chance to vote again. This is not a scare tactic–this is reality. Anyone can do the research for themselves–pay attention to what Steve Bannon said–destroy democracy in America. Pay attention to the Koch Brothers who have never wanted government in charge of anything. Pay attention to all the Republican politicians who are only interested in pushing forth their agenda–taking steps to move us backwards instead of forward. PAY ATTENTION! If you don’t see what’s happening right in front of you on a daily basis, it’s because you’re not paying attention or you’re willfully blind to the facts as they unfold.

I’m not blinded by gaslighting, nor am I gullible. I am fully capable of thinking for myself, researching information and analyzing what I discover, and drawing accurate conclusions. I know there are millions of others who are just as capable as I am of knowing what needs to be done–65M others who know right from wrong and they are not Putin’s puppets and we don’t have an agenda that involves us getting more money, money, money by ripping off the US Treasury.

I’ve been pretty vocal about all the nonsense Americans have had to endure for the past two years, but it’s getting crazier and crazier with no end in sight (except 11/6/18). I mean really, we are facing the most autocratic Oval Office resident this country has ever seen. And it’s all part of a grander plan. When our democracy falls apart (if people don’t vote Blue in November), all those who fell for the okey doke of trump’s campaign can blame the Republicans in Congress who would not exercise their constitutional right of oversight of the executive office. But here’s why they didn’t do their job. They wanted tax cuts for the rich, and conservative judges who will rule against individual rights of people regarding: women’s reproductive rights, who people can love, access to affordable healthcare, and of course we cannot forget–the corporate promises fulfilled with the roll back of consumer protections that will lead to the deaths of many people. Now, don’t forget–trump also wants the Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, to prosecute people for disagreeing with him, for criticizing him, and for daring to exercise their 1st Amendment rights in expressing their criticism.

This is the gist of what they wanted and have succeeded in obtaining:

What the world has had an opportunity to observe with the “confirmation hearings” of Brett Kavanaugh, we are assured that he will cave to “party preference” and not care about what’s best for the country if given an opportunity to overturn, Roe v Wade, the Marriage Equality Act, and the Affordable Care Act leaving millions without healthcare. Additionally, the conflated views of “religious freedom” will be tested when corporations and insurance companies can use “their faith” to reject the rights of others.

The most interesting thing about this hearing is the fact that the nominee, avoids answering any questions and it won’t matter to the Republican majority because they have already determined they are going to confirm him. So what is the point of these hearings in which no answers are expected? This had been such a farce and waste of time, but his non-responsive answers–tell the average American a great deal about the character of the person.

And now we have the rantings of the moron-in-chief upset about an anonymous OpEd, all because someone in the White House dared to tell the truth about his behavior and lack of knowledge. Personally, I’m glad the person wrote it–whoever it was, since it confirms what has already been said–trump is a psychotic narcissistic moron who knows nothing and is consistently endangering our national security. Michael Wolff said it in his book, Omarosa said it in her book, and now it would appear that Bob Woodward has unveiled the same sentiments–with receipts!

What is it going to take for the those who blindly support the “enemy of the people” to wake up and smell the stench of treason emanating from the White House? Did they really drink a mind-numbing shake or other drink at his hate rallies that makes them incapable of rational, logical thought?

I don’t know what’s going to happen to America if people don’t get out and vote in November, but I know it won’t be pretty since we already know Russia has a tight, vise-like grip on trump’s balls and he’s afraid of him. What does Putin have on trump and the rest of the GOP? It’s got to be really bad for them to cave to foolishness and risk alienating our allies!

Here’s the thing. What in the world are you going to do about it? Yes, you–whoever is reading this. Are you going to make it your business to encourage the vote in November and for people to vote Blue or are you going to sit back on the sidelines and just shake your head? We, the people, have the power to change the course of events and save Americans and our democracy. Are you going to be part of the solution or part of the problem? I know what I’m going to do. I’m going to help get people registered to vote, encourage them to Vote Blue and take them to the polls with me–if I have to–to make sure they vote. I am going to use all of my social media platforms to make sure everyone knows this is not a drill! Our rights to vote are on the line if we don’t get this right in November!

So, again, I ask you–what in the world are you going to do?

Why? Because Democrats care about the people and they will work #ForThePeople!

If you care at all about our environment, how veterans are treated, how our senior citizens are treated, education, a living wage, and access to affordable healthcare–now is the time to act–get it in gear and move mountains to get out the Blue Vote on November 6, 2018 so we can all breathe a little easier, knowing there will be checks and balances as the Democrats do the job, Republicans won’t do.

Don’t forget–if we have a democracy surviving the resident idiot, I’m running for president in 2020 and I guarantee you, I won’t forget who it is I’m supposed to represent and serve. I will always work #ForThePeople–the Everyday Americans!

I’m tired of the media outlets allowing ignorance to manipulate the news cycles.

I’m tired of seeing children separated from their parents being treated like animals.

I’m tired of people who know truth but won’t speak up to help end this nightmare.

I’m tired of politicians who are afraid to speak truth to power because they might lose an election.

I’m tired of all the people who complain, but won’t vote to change things.

I’m tired of listening to the cult expound the lies they’ve been told and believe.

I’m tired of those who won’t uphold their oaths of office and are allowing this country to sink.

I’m tired of apologizing to our allies for the nut job in the WH.

I’m tired of watching rising prices for gas, good and healthcare.

I’m tired of people thinking that Democrats can’t be Christians even though we’re more Christian than the Republicans who apparently don’t know Jesus.

I’m tired of the evil ones who use the bible to perpetuate their evil.

I’m tired of not knowing where all this will end–in the next year or two.

Okay, so I’m tired and I’m sure there are millions of others just as tired as I am of all the stupid we’ve had to endure. There is a way out from under the stupid–people simply have to get out and vote and vote for the party who has a heart, not just ideological beliefs.

Regardless of party affiliation or none–it’s time for Americans to step up and take control of the situation and vote for Democrats up and down the ballot in every city, township, and state. We must start where we live with local elections and then spread it out to all the general elections so the United States of America will have a chance to preserve our democracy for future generations.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:16-21 NIV

To clarify, the question–can we see it now–we must be able to understand that if we do not see how love motivates our behavior, we cannot see Christ in those who claim to be Christian, yet have not love for all, unconditionally. Do we see the love of Christ in those who consistently support and applaud a person who ignites hatred in people just because they are not male and white? Do we see the love of Christ operating in those who assault others because of their religious beliefs? Do we see the love of Christ in those who deliberately lie to others? Do we see the love of Christ in those who mock the disabled and do all within their power to not care for the poor and needy? Do we see the love of Christ in the policies established by those in government that burden the poor and enrich the wealthy?

Can we see–how the promotion of false propaganda, Russian meddling, and a pathological liar conned their way into the White House? Can we see–how Evangelicals misled people simply because they want to control what others do? Can we see it now? If we cannot see how misinformation and disinformation led people hate Hillary and Obama just because, it is due to the scales over our eyes that blind us, and the molten wax in our ears that keep us from hearing truth.

If we refuse to see–how our democracy is being demolished at the hands of a few–compromised by their connection and involvement with Russia, we are doomed to deal with the consequences–already formulated and playing out in America. The House and Senate are compromised and are complicit in all that’s unfolding in DC because they refuse to uphold the oaths of their office. They have allowed countless violations of the Constitution to go unchecked because of their fear of being exposed in the duplicitous efforts to rig an election.

And these are the men and women (primarily men) who claim to be Christians and adhere to Christian values, yet we have not seen those values illuminated in any of their actions. They lie. Anyone supporting them lies and the truth is not in them. I can only imagine how distraught and disappointed our God is watching those misuse and misrepresent who He is–making a mockery of all He has done in coming down to earth to save us from ourselves and now–this! We are in the midst of a Constitutional Crisis and our elected leaders have abrogated their responsibilities in not checking evil coming from the White House. They have a constitutional duty to oversee what happens in this country and they have not once–attempted to keep this country from being derailed by Vladimir Putin.

America Has No President. Congress Has No Balls Or Integrity! The American People Have No Hope Unless they change the dynamics of who is governing our country. It is imperative, for the sake of sustaining our democracy and sovereignty that we elect people who are true Patriots–those who love the country more than a person in office, and those who do what is right for all!

We can no longer afford to listen to those standing behind podiums in a church–leading us in the wrong direction–those pretending to be followers of Christ–all the while making a mockery of who He is, when they preach hatred and dissension, instead of love and unity. Perhaps it is because they have forgotten (if they ever learned), that where there is love–there is no room for hatred. They tout forgiveness of the adulterer, the pathological liar, the misogynist, and con man, yet they want to demonize everyone else who won’t go along with their agenda. They promote fear of anyone who doesn’t look like them or worship like them or lives their lives according to how they think a person who lives. If they operate from a position of fear–they demonstrate no love resides within them. If no love resides within them, they are not Christians, they are “label-wearers, not label doers–for all who belong to Christ, dwell in His love and His love dwells in them.

Love does not seek to destroy, but build and embrace all. For where there is love, peace and hope abide and thrive–taking care of the needs of all it encounters.

There is yet time to hope for change–not only in the November election of 2018, but in every election from this point forward. We need to elect those who care more about people than status or position or the opportunity to control what others do. God is pro-choice. He gives us the right to choose–what we do and the consequences of our choices. Mere man should never attempt to usurp the position of God in our lives. For God never forces us to do anything and we should never allow mere mortals to force upon us anything that is not like God.

I’m ready to serve as the next President of the United States and I can assure all–America will have a president that honors the position and the standing we have in the world.

I’m ready for the change I know will come with Democrats–the ones who care about all–are leading this country into the next era of greatness.

Yesterday, I was out with a team of volunteers collecting signatures for Gretchen Whitmer–to get her on the ballot–in a very public place where I met people from Pennsylvania, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Missouri, Massachusetts, and a number of different counties in MI. Where was I? Eastern Market in Detroit!

There I stood at the foot of the ramp of the bridge crossing over 375 and gave my 30 second spiel about Gretchen Whitmer for those who said they didn’t know her. After meeting another petitioner who was collecting signatures for, “Promote The Vote,” we stood together and made quite a team. The Camaraderie was great and we connected on a number of levels. Both us are Democrats, both of us love this country and want the best for Michigan and the United States; we’re both retired, working educators and we both volunteer to help others. That was a pretty good starting point and I think we’ll have a lasting relationship. That was the new day–yesterday, but the comments made by some–were the same old lies, designed to defeat.

We could tell by the reaction people when we approached who was a Republican and who was a Democrat–the Republicans didn’t want to hear anything I had to say about a woman running for governor and they didn’t want to hear anything Therese had to say about making sure everyone had an easier access to voting–including an absentee ballot–without having an excuse. They didn’t want to hear it. Now why would they not want people to have easier access to voting? Fear of others voting for Democrats? I can imagine they drew some conclusions about the two of us–a white woman and a black woman, working together to make sure there is change for the better for Michigan.

And then there were the “natives” who are still holding onto the lie that voting won’t matter because all politicians lie. There’s no ignoring the fact that many politicians–mere human beings make promises without knowing if they can keep them or not; it doesn’t make them bad people–it simply means they didn’t have enough support to get the job done.

When Democrats had control of the House and the Senate in Washington for Obama’s first two years–they were able to save the automotive industry with bailouts that were repaid and establish a healthcare bill that gave millions access to healthcare. After the first two years–and with the promise McConnell made to the Republican Senate–not much worthwhile was accomplished–with Paul Ryan leading the House because they were determined, “to make Obama a one-term president.” When that didn’t happen, they simply refused to support anything that would benefit the nation as a whole.

For the past eight years, we’ve had a Republican controlled government as governor, house and senate–and no matter what any Democrat candidate said while running, it probably didn’t matter since the Republicans were determined to make government about and for the rich–not all the people. There were a few instances–one in which Gretchen Whitmer was successful in achieving a bi-partisan effort in the expansion of Medicaid in Michigan.

The above “points” indicate the necessity of having a well-balanced congressional government or if we really want to see change that benefits “all” the people, Democrats need to be in control of the House and Senate–both on a local and national level because it is the Democrats who establish policies and governance for all, not just the rich.

Here are a few tips about voting this year and every year.

Don’t believe the hype or the polls–do your own research, get registered, volunteer for a candidate and then get out and vote and make sure those you know–vote as well.

Know for a fact–if you don’t vote–your vote won’t count and if 20,000 people sit at home thinking their votes won’t matter, chances are we’ll end up with Republicans controlling government for the next 10 years or more.

Stop and think–our country is in danger of our democracy being dismantled, deliberately by those in office right now. We know because neither the House or the Senate is upholding their oaths of office and leaving #Rumplethinskin in office is going to cost this nation dearly.

Don’t take my word for it–pay attention to the world around you and beyond Fox News. Other nations are more concerned about us than many in this country are–which makes one wonder–do we have what it takes to set aside our differences long enough to get our country back on track? Or will be simply allow the Putin implant to destroy our country and our values?

We don’t live in a world that is simply “black or white,” but right and wrong–have never changed. Racism, bigotry, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny are all WRONG! Love is always RIGHT and we cannot take care of those in need if we are in capable of loving others–no matter what they do. We can disagree about lifestyles without hating; we can disagree about religions without hating; we can disagree–agreeably about anything–without hating.

Are we going to let the “old lies” keep us from living in the greatest country ever that acknowledges every person as a human being and where laws and policies demonstrate equal treatment of all?

A woman’s hormones will not be a deterrent for them to be great leaders in government.

Black people are just as smart as their counterparts with different skin tones and have been great leaders for centuries.

Teenagers have just as much right to voice their opinions and concerns as any other group–they see, they analyze and they vocalize.

We are not a nation divided by race and religion–we are all Americans–united as one–fighting for the survival of this one nation–America.

Our votes do matter because they’re our voice in government–if we don’t vote–we have no say in what happens to us.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and we need to make sure–the iceberg doesn’t sink us all into oblivion. Go vote! And if you don’t know enough about a candidate–#VoteBlue (down ballot)–you can’t go wrong! As long as we’re divided in government, nothing will ever be accomplished that will benefit the Everyday American.